How Janette Benaddi Rowed To Success

What can rowing across an ocean teach us about leadership, teamwork, and overcoming challenges? In short—everything.

Much like navigating the unpredictable waves of the open sea, success in business demands resilience, collaboration, and the ability to adapt to adversity. Few understand this better than Janette Benaddi, who embarked on an extraordinary journey: a 3,000-mile ocean row alongside four women, transforming them into a high-performing team.

Janette Benaddi’s inspiring journey

Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, Janette Benaddi’s path to success was far from conventional. Leaving school at 16 without many formal qualifications, she started as a receptionist at a local doctor’s office. It was here that she discovered her passion for healthcare and decided to pursue nursing. While working full-time, she re-entered education to achieve the necessary qualifications.

Her career quickly accelerated as she transitioned into sales and marketing roles within the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries. Rising to senior positions in global organisations and FTSE 100 companies, she eventually launched her own clinical research organisation, serving the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors.

In 2016, after selling her successful businesses, Janette embarked on a bold new adventure: rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. As the Skipper of Yorkshire Rows, she and her team set a Guinness World Record during the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Together, they raised over £100,000 for charity. This journey, which drew worldwide media attention, inspired countless others to pursue their dreams. Janette also co-authored the bestselling book, Four Mums in a Boat, chronicling this remarkable experience.

Lessons from the ocean: leadership, teamwork, and resilience

Janette Benaddi’s journey offers powerful lessons for life and business. Here’s what she learned:

1. Teamwork at its finest

• Building and leading a diverse, high-functioning team requires recognising and leveraging each member’s unique strengths
• Success is about inspiring and empowering others, especially in high-pressure situations

2. Leadership in the face of challenges

• Leading through rough seas—both literal and figurative—means staying focused when the journey feels endless and the goal far away
• Great leaders remain calm, adaptable, and motivational, even in the toughest conditions

3. Turning obstacles into opportunities

• Challenges can be reframed as opportunities to grow, adapt, and thrive
• By embracing setbacks, Janette and her team turned adversity into a catalyst for success

4. Celebrating milestones to sustain motivation

• Success isn’t just about the final destination; it’s about recognizing and celebrating every step forward
• Small wins provide the momentum needed to keep pushing toward bigger goals

Janette Benaddi’s incredible story proves that with determination, teamwork, and vision, even the toughest challenges can lead to extraordinary achievements. From the Atlantic Ocean to the boardroom, her lessons continue to inspire others to take risks, persevere, and chase their dreams. Want to hear more? Sign up to our free ‘The Leading Note’ session with Janette Benaddi on ‘Rowing the Ocean of Success: Lessons in Leadership, Teamwork, and Triumph’.

 

Published on Jun 19, 2025 by Ella Thomas